Torbay racism: more action needed

Diversity officer should be hired

Torbay Council must take a lead on addressing racism and do more to recruit staff from ethnic minorities, according to a report to be considered by its cabinet next week. 

Councillors and representatives say they have worked closely with community members for almost two years to produce the review which began in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of US police and the worldwide demonstrations which followed. 

The main focus of the review was “How do we make Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) lives matter in Torbay?” (The review was launched before the government recommended, in December 2021, the term “ethnic minorities” is used instead of BAME).

The report recommends creating a new, full-time post for an equality and diversity officer who will only be appointed after consultation with Torbay’s ethnic minority communities. 

Other public organisations such as Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, South Devon College, housing associations and health bodies should to do more to celebrate Torbay’s cultural diversity by holding a programme of events to bring communities together, the report says. 

In a separate recommendation, Devon and Cornwall Police should address racism as well as support ethnic minority officers with measures including removing rules which insist candidates should have at least grade C at GCSE in English, as this is thought to disadvantage those who have been educated overseas.

Cllr Jermaine Atiya-Alla

Liberal Democrat councillor for Ellacombe Jermaine Atiya-Alla, who is chair of the Torbay Racism Review panel, said: “It’s been quite a long process but we always wanted this to be a meaningful review and there are some real tangible and practical recommendations in the report that we will work with our partners to take forward as far as possible. 

“It’s also important to note that this review is just the first step and it will be an ongoing process to improve our approach to tackling racism, and making our services more accessible to people from ethnic minorities in Torbay.

“We are very grateful to all the partner organisations who gave their time as part of the review, and also in particular to our local ethnic minority community members who responded to us and told us what they would like to see happen.”

Leader of Torbay Council, Lib Dem member for Barton with Watcombe, Steve Darling added: “I welcome the publication of this report and would like to thank all our partners who contributed to the review. 

Cllr Steve Darling is leader of Torbay Council

“Our aim was to take a holistic, inclusive, and comprehensive approach to exploring and attempting to understand the issue of racism in Torbay, which engages with our community and allows them the space and time to voice their experiences and views to local community leaders as well as regional and national decision-makers.

The report will be discussed at Torbay Council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday 30 August.